Speaker of Parliament Anita Among has pushed back against criticism from Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs Norbert Mao, who recently described her as an “accidental Speaker” of the 11th Parliament.
Responding during Parliament’s Women’s Day breakfast meeting, Among rejected the claim and defended the legitimacy of her election to the country’s top legislative office.
“There are no accidental legislators, and there is no accidental Speaker,” Among said. “I was elected by over 400 Members of Parliament.”
Her remarks appeared to question Mao’s motives for the comment as she signaled confidence about her political future.
Among said she intends to continue serving and expressed confidence about retaining the Speakership in the upcoming 12th Parliament.
The Speaker also revealed that Members of Parliament-elect from the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and independents will attend a retreat at the National Leadership Institute in Kyankwanzi from April 7 to April 14, 2026. The retreat will precede the swearing-in of the new Parliament scheduled for May 13 to May 15, 2026.
The Women’s Day breakfast meeting featured Justice Catherine Bamugemereire as the keynote speaker. Bamugemereire used the occasion to highlight the need to strengthen legal aid services in order to address persistent barriers that prevent many women from accessing justice.
“Women must seek genuine representation and avoid unnecessary competition that could harm their careers,” Bamugemereire said.
Among’s supporters say her tenure as Speaker reflects the confidence Parliament and her political allies have placed in her leadership.
